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TO coincide with International Nurses Day, the team at Formby Manor chose to celebrate Nurses past and present. All Nurses who work at the care facility currently received a personalised card from the home, thanking them for their continuous hard work and achievements. Residents at the home, who used to have a career in nursing, also received a personalised card. Part of the celebrations included:- a trip down memory lane for the residents who were Murses, including:- Valarie Innes, Anne Blackman, Margaret Cotton, and Jean Jones.

Valarie, aged 85, was a General Nurse in Kent and Basingstoke. She thoroughly loved her job in nursing and later became a Clinical Nurse Tutor, before retiring from the NHS and working in a Private Care Home.

84 year old Anne started her Pre-Nursing Training in 1946, officially qualifying in 1949. She worked as a General Nurse, casualty nurse, and in midwifery, as well as spending time in Cyprus as a Sister with the Forces, plus training and mentoring nurses in Argentina. Anne later gained a BA Hons Degree in Health Management.

Anne says:- "I enjoyed every type of nursing, so have no favourite, but I loved my career and I look back fondly on those days. At Formby Manor I often chat to the nurses here about the changes in nursing over the years and offer advice or tips where I can. It feels great to still be able to provide some help."

Margaret, who qualified in 1954, was a General Murse in Sheffield. The 88 year old says:- "Nursing was hard work, but I liked it, and got a lot of pleasure from helping people get better. The uniforms were glamorous back then too, and I loved the little hats we wore.Working in a hospital was social, and some of my favourite memories are of dressing up and attending balls with other:- Nurses, Students and Doctors."

Jean, also aged 88, was an Auxiliary Nurse, qualifying when she was 21 years old. She worked with babies throughout her career. She says:- "I loved my time Nursing. 1 particular memory that stands out is helping a new mum who was struggling to settle her baby. I took the crying baby into the Nursery so the mum could have a break. Years later I was tapped on the shoulder by the mum who remembered me and said that the help I gave was priceless as it allowed her to have the best sleep ever and wake refreshed. That was lovely to hear!"

Head of Care at Formby Manor, Adele Sandison, comments:- "Being able to celebrate International Nurses Day with both staff and residents has been incredibly special. Great stories have been told and memorable moments from the wards remembered. A career in nursing never leaves you. Valarie, Anne, Margaret and Jean are superb examples of this, with each still able to share their knowledge and experience with the team."

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